Silvermine Beach Hotel Trip (May 21-24, 2010)

We have been to Hong Kong many times because of Cathay Pacific airlines, and we always wondered why there were no good beaches inspite of being surrounded by the sea. So this time around we decided to stay at the Silvermine Beach resort. It was on the less populated part of the Lantau island (where the airport is also located). A mountain range separates the two and it is a world of a difference on either side.

Starting out we did not get any taxi cab to the hotel as it was the birthday of Buddha and the island was busy with the festivities. When we finally managed to get to the hotel we found out that there was no cab access to the entrance and a senior citizen lady carts our luggage into the lobby. Then the room reeks of smoke but the beach view is great and the staff are very friendly and polite. The restaurant is ok for the breakfast buffet but not otherwise as the meals are quite expensive.

There is not much going on in this side of the island except for some fast food places, some quiet bars and restaurants filled with expats and locals. There is a ferry service to the busy parts of Hong Kong and a huge bike stand around it.

The island has 3-4 major attractions, the airport, Disneyland, the Buddhist monastery and finally the hotel.